Bishops called to a synod must
not be guilty of contempt, but must attend, and either teach, or be
taught, for the reformation of the Church and of others. And if
such an one shall be guilty of contempt, he will condemn himself,
unless he be detained by ill health.

Notes.

Ancient Epitome of Canon XL.

Whoso summoned to a synod shall spurn the invitation,
unless hindered by the force of circumstances, shall not be free from
blame.

Hefele.

By ἀνωμαλία,
illness is commonly understood, and Dionysius Exiguus and Isidore
translated it, the former ægritudinem, and the latter
infirmitatem. But Balsamon justly remarks that the term
has a wider meaning, and, besides cases of illness includes other
unavoidable hinderances or obstacles.